In Brief
A father sought access to a Child Welfare Committee report concerning allegations of assault against his second wife toward his children from his first marriage, which he relied upon in his divorce petition based on cruelty. The Family Court denied access citing confidentiality under the Juvenile Justice Act. The Supreme Court held that the confidentiality protection is not absolute. A parent or guardian has the right to know report contents affecting the child's safety, particularly in family law disputes. The court allowed access for perusal without issuing a certified copy, balancing child protection with parental rights to access information material to safeguarding their children and adjudicating family disputes."
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